And by that point the chances of defending champion Thor Hushovd had vanished after he was delayed by a crash that also involved Tour de France podium finisher Frank Schleck of Luxembourg.

With 30km remaining, Roux attacked his fellow escapees, that had lost Poos and Kangert by that point, but he was caught and passed by team-mate Thomas Voeckler on the penultimate lap as Britain continued to set the tempo on the front of the peloton.

Tour de France hero Voeckler was joined by home favourite Nicki Sorensen and Belgium's Klaas Lodewyck before Dutchman Johnny Hoogerland bridged the gap to the leaders on the final lap.

But double Olympic individual pursuit gold medallist Bradley Wiggins did a heroic turn on the front to quash their 18 second lead and set up the sprint finish that many expected.

Ian Stannard and Geraint Thomas worked tirelessly to get Cavendish into position for the uphill drag to the line but it was Australia who looked in pole position as Heinrich Haussler lead out Goss.

But Cavendish burst up the inside to pip the Tasmanian, who was gaining ground, to a historic gold - Britain's first in 46 years.

Germany was awarded the bronze with Greipel edging dethroned time trial champion Cancellara in a photo finish.